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When you have such high hopes for a place you’ve heard so much about, there is always a fear that it won’t live up to expectations.

But within hours of arriving in Boston, my boyfriend Jay and I knew there was nothing to worry about – and that our trip was going to be even better than we had hoped for.

As first-time visitors to the capital city of Massachusetts, there were so many things we wanted to see and do.

America, as we know it today, began here. Even a century before the American War of Independence started in 1775, colonialists in Boston were challenging the British for their freedom.

So, what better way for us to start exploring than on the Freedom Trail?

This red brick path winds its way past 16 historical sites and traces the events leading up to and following the Revolutionary War. We kicked off the 2.5-mile tour at Boston Common – America’s oldest public park – and before long were engulfed in an abundance of history.

We passed the Massachusetts State House with its pure gold dome, the Old South Meeting House, the Old State House (Boston’s oldest surviving public building), Faneuil Hall, the USS Constitution and Bunker Hill Monument.

Heavy metal: Massachusetts State House

It’s so well marked out, it’s impossible to get lost. In fact, Boston is a great walking city – it’s beautiful, flat and easy to navigate.

Being a massive film buff, I was in my element as we sauntered along the Movie Mile Walking Tour on day two of our trip.

Visiting locations of films including The Departed, Glory, Malice, The Verdict (featuring Bruce Willis, then 29, as an extra) and the original Thomas Crowne Affair was a great way to see the picturesque Public Gardens and how the other half live in ultra-plush Beacon Hill.

We even sat on the famous park bench from Good Will Hunting in the Public Gardens before enjoying a drink at the iconic Cheers bar. We stepped inside half expecting to see Sam and Woody from the classic sitcom – but sadly the indoor scenes were all filmed in Hollywood.

During our trip, we stayed at the Omni Parker House. This luxurious hotel is within walking distance of most attractions and manages to combine old-world charm and elegance with all the mod-cons. It’s where JFK got engaged to Jackie O and where he had his bachelor party.

It’s also where Malcolm X was a busboy and Charles Dickens stayed for two years. And it’s where the Boston cream pie – the official state dessert – was created.

Talking of legendary food, the breakfast here was amazing. My favourite was the pancakes with bacon and maple syrup.

But you could also enjoy freshly cooked omelettes, corned beef hash, pastries, toast, fruit and cereal.

After a hearty brekkie, we were desperate to take in even more of this vibrant city and hopped on the Old Town Trolley tour bus. We stopped off many times along the way, including at the Boston Tea Party and Ships Museum, Quincy Market, the historic North End, Copley Square and M.I.T.

Trollied: Jump on for a city tour

From M.I.T we walked to Harvard Square, which is overflowing with bookstores and boutiques, coffee shops and street performers.

Founded in 1636, the university is the centrepiece of the square.

Here I had my photo taken at the John Harvard Statue – and, like many Harvard hopefuls, touched his shiny shoe for good luck.

Next up was the JFK Library and Museum, which is a fitting tribute to the life and legacy of the 35th president.

A highlight of the museum is a short film exploring the dilemmas and decisions JFK faced during the Cuban Missile Crisis.

It also has an exhibit of the life of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, featuring footage and artefacts from her life including diary entries and clothes.

Boston is a foodies’ dream, with a string of award-winning restaurants and bars.

Eating out is diverse and affordable with every taste catered for from pizza in Little Italy to fresh seafood at America’s oldest restaurant, the Union Oyster House, which opened in 1862.

One not to be missed is Boston Chops. Ask anyone who has been here and they’ll tell you it’s more than just a steakhouse.

Open since early March, this is the third venture for executive chef and owner Chris Coombs.

We enjoyed the best fillet steaks we have ever had. And the cocktails – a Blonde Wig for me and a Smashed for Jay – were potent... but amazing.

Talking of amazing, our last day in Boston was unforgettable as we watched the Red Sox battle it out against their biggest rivals, the New York Yankees.

Playing ball: Red Sox at Fenway Park

The intensity of baseball fans has only grown since the Red Sox broke their agonising 86-year losing streak and won the 2004 World Series – and it was great to be a part of it.

Of course, we caught the boys at Fenway Park, the oldest operating baseball park in the country.

We joined in the fun as the crowds cheered – and jeered at Yankee Alex Rodriguez, danced and sang at break times and ate hot dogs and popcorn.

We were in Boston after all – and it was the perfect ending to the perfect holiday.

For mystical and magical, head to Niantic

There is so much to see outside Boston.

We headed out of the city for a day trip to Martha’s Vineyard. We boarded the ferry at Falmouth and sailed to this quaint island, with its gingerbread houses and vintage shops around Oak Bluffs.

We then hopped on a bus to nearby Edgartown. This is where Jaws was filmed but there was no sight of the deadly creature as we lazed on the beach and watched the world go by.

Back in Boston, we boarded the Amtrak train to New London, Connecticut, and stumbled upon nearby Niantic.

All aboard: Marina at Harbor Hill

Here we stayed for two nights at the Inn at Harbor Hill. We could not have found a more magical place. The B&B has everything you want: friendly hosts, stunning bedrooms, baked goodies every morning, beaches and boardwalks.

It’s just a short walk to the village of Niantic, where we fell in love with an amazing restaurant called Main St Grille.

What makes this place so special is not only the home-cooked shepherd’s pie and chilli con carne, but the great locals. We were befriended by Jo and Bud, who showed us a great time around their town.

Mystic (where Mystic Pizza starring Julia Roberts was filmed) is nearby too. We spent the day browsing in the shops, eating ice cream and exploring the Mystic Seaport.

Our visit was far too fleeting... we loved it so much, we’re going back for this year’s Christmas Light Parade. I can’t wait.

Travel file

When to go - Pick up a copy of the Lonely Planet Boston guide (£13.99). It features top tips on planning your perfect trip and advises you on the best places to eat, sleep and visit.

Don't miss - The great view of Boston’s skyline from the Longfellow Bridge, also known as the Salt-and-Pepper Bridge, which crosses the river at the top of Charles Street.

Shopping - With no sales tax on clothing under $175 and only a 6.25% tax on everything else, every day in Boston is like a sales day. You’ve got upscale boutiques in Newbury Street, Copley Place and the shops at Prudential Center in Back Bay, the outdoor kiosks of Faneuil Hall Marketplace and across the Charles River, there’s Harvard Square.

Book it - Virgin Holidays has three nights room-only at the four-star Omni Parker House from £738pp including Virgin Atlantic flights leaving Heathrow on November 26. Call 0844 557 3859